Auto pet

ABSTRACT

The present device is a plastic spill proof container designed to provide water to dogs while traveling inside automobiles. I currently refer to this invention as Auto Pet. The container has four components listed as follows: 
     First is the container itself. The container measures 12 inches in length, 7 inches in width and is 4 inches in height. 
     Second is the removable frame of the lid which is located 1 inch below the top of the container. The frame of the lid has 2 openings which allow access to water. 
     Third are the 2 moveable flaps which are hinged to the underside of the center of the frame of the lid. The moveable flaps will be constructed from clear plastic. 
     Fourth is a spring that will cause the hinged movable flaps to return to the underside of the frame of the lid.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. Represents a side view of the spill proof water container. This illustration shows that the frame of the lid (1), is located 1 inch below the top of the water container (2). Also shown are the hinged moveable flaps (3) in the Open Position. The spring (4) is located between the hinged moveable flaps at the center of the frame of the lid.

FIG. 2. illustrates the size of the frame of the lid drawn with solid lines (1), in relation to the size of the moveable flaps (2), which are drawn with the perforated lines - - - .

BACKGROUND

This device relates to the need dogs have for water while traveling in automobiles especially during hot weather.

FIELD OF INVENTION

It is common knowledge that dogs are always in need of water, and that people bring their dogs with them while traveling in their automobiles. This device was created for the purpose of making water available to dogs in automobiles. The importance of this device relates to the difficulty dogs have keeping their body temperatures cool, and their bodies hydrated especially during hot climates. It has been proven that serious brain damage and death may occur to dogs that have no access to water in hot climates as a result of overheating their bodies. To my knowledge there is no product available to provide a spill proof source of water in automobiles for dogs. The present device could be used in any vehicle that would transport dogs including airplanes and boats.

ADVANTAGES

I list the following as advantages to the present device described as a plastic spill proof container designed to provide water to dogs while traveling inside automobiles.

-   -   1. The present device has a removeable lid to allow the inside         of the container to be cleaned when needed.     -   2. The present device is designed with the lid being located 1         inch below the top of container to enhance its ability to not         spill water.     -   3. The present device allows access to water when slight         downward pressure is being applied to the hinged moveable flaps.         (Opens Automatically with downward pressure).     -   4. The present device uses a spring to return the hinged         moveable flaps to the underside of the frame of the lid (Closes         Automatically) which creates a seal that makes this container         spill proof.     -   5. The present device makes use of clear plastic hinged moveable         flaps to allow dogs to see the water inside the container.

Operation

The operation of the present device is as follows. Secure the lid to the inside of the container by pressing down on the lid until it snaps into position. Fill the inside of the water container with water. Filling can be done by pouring water on top of the lid. The weight of the water will cause the hinged moveable flaps to move downward (Open Position) and the container will begin to fill with water. Once there is no weight on top of the hinged moveable flaps the spring will cause the flaps to return to the underside of the frame of the lid (Closed Position). Now the spill proof water container is ready for use.

When the dog wants the water he will place his paw or mouth on the hinged moveable flap causing the flap to travel downward into the container creating access to the water (Open Position).

When there is no weight on top of the hinged moveable flap, or when the dog is done drinking water and has removed his mouth from the container, the spring will cause the hinged moveable flap to return to the underside of the frame of the lid (Closed Position) which will create a seal that will prevent water from leaving the container.

Research and Development

I began researching and developing the present device in September 2004. Since that time I have discovered that it is necessary to have a removeable lid to allow people to wash the inside of the container when it gets dirty.

I have experimented with several methods to make the hinged moveable flaps return to the underside of the frame of the lid. These methods have included the use of elastics (rubber bands), magnets, floats, counterweights and springs. Regardless of which method is used to return the flaps to the closed position, it has been my idea to create the frame of the lid and the hinged moveable flaps. This idea of having hinged moveable flaps attached to the underside of the frame of the lid is what makes the container spill proof.

The reason I have designed the container with 2 moveable flaps is to allow complete access to the water supply at all times. Water naturally travels to the lowest point. If I were to make a container with only one flap and the container was not sitting level the water might be positioned behind the moveable flap. By having the moveable flaps hinged to the center of the frame of the lid water will always be accessible, even when the container is not sitting level.

I realized that constructing the moveable flaps from clear plastic will allow the dog to see the water inside of the container.

The reason I have positioned the lid 1 inch below the top of the container is to ensure that water will not run off the top of the lid under any conditions. The location of the lid also allows the container to be filled past the lid which will assist in training the dog at home. 

1. The present device has a removeable lid to allow the inside of the container to be cleaned when needed.
 2. The present device is designed with the lid being located 1 inch below the top of container to enhance its ability to not spill water.
 3. The present device allows access to water when slight downward pressure is being applied to the hinged moveable flaps. (Opens Automatically with downward pressure).
 4. The present device uses a spring to keep the 2 hinged moveable flaps in contact with the underside of the frame of the lid (Closes Automatically) which creates a seal that makes this container spill proof.
 5. The present device makes use of 2 clear plastic hinged moveable flaps to allow the dogs to see the water inside the container. 